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Xu C, Pascual-Sabater S, Fillat C, Goel A. The LAMB3-EGFR signaling pathway mediates synergistic Anti-Cancer effects of berberine and emodin in Pancreatic cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116509. [PMID: 39214450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy, primarily due to the intrinsic development of chemoresistance. The most apparent histopathological feature associated with chemoresistance is the alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Natural dietary botanicals such as berberine (BBR) and emodin (EMO) have been shown to possess chemo-preventive potential by regulating ECM in various cancers. Herein, we further investigated the potential synergistic effects of BBR and EMO in enhancing anticancer efficacy by targeting ECM proteins in pancreatic cancer. Genomewide transcriptomic profiling identified that LAMB3 was significantly upregulated in PDAC tissue and highly associated with poor overall survival (OS, hazard ratio [HR], 2.99, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.46-6.15; p = 0.003) and progress-free survival (PFS, HR, 2.59; 95 % CI, 1.30-5.18; p = 0.007) in PDAC. A systematic series of functional experiments in BxPC-3 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells revealed that the combination of BBR and EMO exhibited synergistic anti-tumor potential, as demonstrated by cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, and invasion assays (p < 0.05-0.001). The combination also altered the expression of key proteins involved in apoptosis, EMT, and EGFR/ERK1,2/AKT signaling. These findings were further supported by patient-derived organoids (PDOs), where the combined treatment resulted in fewer and smaller organoids compared to each compound individually (p < 0.05-0.001). Our results suggest that BBR combined with EMO exerts synergistic anti-cancer effects by modulating the EGFR-signaling pathway through interference with LAMB3 in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiming Xu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116004, Liaoning, China
| | - Silvia Pascual-Sabater
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA; City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Combrinck S, Viljoen A. Emodin - A natural anthraquinone derivative with diverse pharmacological activities. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 190:112854. [PMID: 34311280 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone) is a natural anthraquinone derivative that is present in numerous globally renowned herbal medicines. It is recognised as a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor and as an anticancer drug, active against various tumour cells, including lung, breast, liver, and ovarian cancer cells. Recently, its role in combination chemotherapy with various allopathic medicines, to minimize their toxicity and to enhance their efficacy, has been studied. The use of emodin in these therapies is gaining popularity, due to fewer associated side effects compared with standard anticancer drugs. Emodin has a broad therapeutic window, and in addition to its antineoplastic activity, it displays anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, muscle relaxant, immunosuppressive and antifibrotic activities, in both in vitro and in vivo models. Although reviews on the anticancer activity of emodin have been published, none coherently unite all the pharmacological properties of emodin, particularly the anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, immunosuppressive and hepatoprotective activities of the compound. Hence, in this review, all of the available data regarding the pharmacological properties of emodin are explored, with particular emphasis on the modes of action of the molecule. In addition, the manuscript details the occurrence, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of the compound, as well as its toxic effects on biotic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Badoni Semwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Pt. Lalit Mohan Sharma Govt. Post Graduate College, Rishikesh, 249201, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Semwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Department of Phytochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Harrawala, Dehradun, 248001, India
| | - Sandra Combrinck
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Alvaro Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
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Liang B, Gao L, Wang F, Li Z, Li Y, Tan S, Chen A, Shao J, Zhang Z, Sun L, Zhang F, Zheng S. The mechanism research on the anti-liver fibrosis of emodin based on network pharmacology. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1166-1179. [PMID: 34173707 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study was designated to illustrate the underlying mechanisms of emodin anti-liver fibrosis via network pharmacology and experiment. METHODS The TSMCP and Genecards database were applied to screen the relevant targets of emodin or liver fibrosis. The essential target was selected by using Cytoscape to analyze the topological network of potential targets. Furthermore, we constructed a preliminary molecule docking study to explore the binding site by Surflex-Dock suite SYBYL X 2.0. The DAVID database was selected for gene functional annotations and KEGG enrichment analysis. Moreover, we demonstrated the ameliorating effect of emodin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced liver injury in mice. We also verified the network predictions in vitro via various techniques. RESULTS The collected results showed that 35 targets were related to emodin, and 6,198 targets were associated with liver fibrosis. The Venn analysis revealed that 17 intersection targets were correlated with emodin anti-liver fibrosis. The topological network analysis suggested that the p53 was the remarkable crucial target. Besides, the molecule docking results showed that emodin could directly interact with p53 by binding the active site residues ASN345, GLN331, and TYR347. Finally, KEGG pathway enrichment results indicated that essential genes were mainly enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Moreover, our study confirmed that emodin alleviated CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice, inducing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) apoptosis via regulating the p53/ERK/p38 axis. CONCLUSIONS This study partially verified the network pharmacological prediction of emodin inducing HSCs cell apoptosis through the p53/ERK/p38 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyuan Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Sun
- Department of National Education and Development Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products against Liver Fibrosis: Flavonoids, Quinones, Lignans, Phenols, and Acids. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7171498. [PMID: 33082829 PMCID: PMC7556091 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7171498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from continuous long-term hepatic damage represents a heavy burden worldwide. Liver fibrosis is recognized as a complicated pathogenic mechanism with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A series of drugs demonstrate significant antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. No specific agents with ideally clinical efficacy for liver fibrosis treatment have been developed. In this review, we summarized the antifibrotic effects and molecular mechanisms of 29 kinds of common natural products. The mechanism of these compounds is correlated with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic activities. Moreover, parenchymal hepatic cell survival, HSC deactivation, and ECM degradation by interfering with multiple targets and signaling pathways are also involved in the antifibrotic effects of these compounds. However, there remain two bottlenecks for clinical breakthroughs. The low bioavailability of natural products should be improved, and the combined application of two or more compounds should be investigated for more prominent pharmacological effects. In summary, exploration on natural products against liver fibrosis is becoming increasingly extensive. Therefore, natural products are potential resources for the development of agents to treat liver fibrosis.
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Xiang H, Zuo J, Guo F, Dong D. What we already know about rhubarb: a comprehensive review. Chin Med 2020; 15:88. [PMID: 32863857 PMCID: PMC7448319 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhubarb (also named Rhei or Dahuang), one of the most ancient and important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), belongs to the Rheum L. genus from the Polygonaceae family, and its application can be traced back to 270 BC in "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing". Rhubarb has long been used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anticancer medicine in China. However, for a variety of reasons, such as origin, variety and processing methods, there are differences in the effective components of rhubarb, which eventually lead to decreased quality and poor efficacy. Additionally, although some papers have reviewed the relationship between the active ingredients of rhubarb and pharmacologic actions, most studies have concentrated on one or several aspects, although there has been great progress in rhubarb research in recent years. Therefore, this review aims to summarize recent studies on the geographic distribution, taxonomic identification, pharmacology, clinical applications and safety issues related to rhubarb and provide insights into the further development and application of rhubarb in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xiang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiaxin Zuo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fangyue Guo
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Hu N, Liu J, Xue X, Li Y. The effect of emodin on liver disease -- comprehensive advances in molecular mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173269. [PMID: 32553811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Liver injury could be caused by a variety of causes, including alcohol, drug poisoning, autoimmune overreaction, etc. In the period of liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) will be activated and produce excessive extracellular matrix (ECM). If injury cannot be suppressed, liver injury will develop into fibrosis, even cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is reported that some monomer components extracted from traditional Chinese medicine have better effects on protecting liver. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine RHEI RADIX ET RHIZOMA, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver protection and anti-cancer effects, and can prevent liver injury induced by a variety of factors. By searching literatures related to the liver protection of emodin in PUBMED, SINOMED, EBM and CNKI databases, it was found that emodin could inhibit the production and promote the secretion of bile acids, and have a protective effect on intrahepatic cholestasis. Also, emodin reduce collagen synthesis and anti-hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress, TGF-β/Smad pathway and HSCs proliferation, and promoting apoptosis of HSCs. Emodin can also regulate lipid metabolism and regulate the synthesis and oxidation of lipids and cholesterol to protect the nonalcoholic fatty liver. Besides, emodin can induce the apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by acting on the death receptor pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, thus inhibiting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, emodin can modulate immunity and improve immune rejection in liver transplantation animals. In conclusion, emodin has a good effect on liver protection, but further experimental data are needed to verify it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naihua Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Liu D, Qin H, Yang B, Du B, Yun X. Oridonin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Drug Dev Res 2020; 81:526-533. [PMID: 32219880 PMCID: PMC7317507 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and accumulation of the extracellular matrix. There are limitations in the current therapies for liver fibrosis. Recently, oridonin was shown to induce apoptosis in HSCs. Thus, we aimed to determine the roles of oridonin in chronic liver injury and fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 in mice injected intraperitoneally with oridonin for 6 weeks. The administration of oridonin significantly attenuated liver injury and reduced ALT levels. In addition, Sirius Red staining and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were significantly reduced by oridonin in murine livers with fibrosis. The expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β was downregulated with the oridonin treatment. Furthermore, the expression of F4/80 in liver tissues was also decreased by oridonin treatment. These results demonstrate that oridonin ameliorates chronic liver injury and fibrosis. Mechanically, oridonin may inhibit the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammation in the liver. These results highlight the potential of oridonin as a therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- College of PharmacyGuizhou University of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Hailong Qin
- College of PharmacyGuizhou University of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Bixian Yang
- College of Food and Pharmacy EngineeringGuiyang UniversityGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Bin Du
- College of Food and Pharmacy EngineeringGuiyang UniversityGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Xuelin Yun
- College of PharmacyGuizhou University of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuiyangGuizhouChina
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Guan R, Wang X, Zhao X, Song N, Zhu J, Wang J, Wang J, Xia C, Chen Y, Zhu D, Shen L. Emodin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast activation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35696. [PMID: 27774992 PMCID: PMC5075925 DOI: 10.1038/srep35696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of TGF-β1 is frequently encountered and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast activation in pulmonary fibrosis. The present study investigated whether emodin mediates its effect via suppressing TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibroblast activation in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Here, we found that emodin induced apoptosis and inhibited cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation in TGF-β1-stimulated human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELFs). Emodin suppressed TGF-β1-induced EMT in a dose- and time-dependent manner in alveolar epithelial A549 cells. Emodin also inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2, Smad3 and Erk1/2 activation, suggesting that Smad2/3 and Erk1/2 inactivation mediated the emodin-induced effects on TGF-β1-induced EMT. Additionally, we provided in vivo evidence suggesting that emodin apparently alleviated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and improved pulmonary function by inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling and subsequently repressing EMT, fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Taken together, our data suggest that emodin mediates its effects mainly via inhibition of EMT and fibroblast activation and thus has a potential for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Guan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nana Song
- Division of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jimin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijiang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunmei Xia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghua Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danian Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Shen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Domitrović R, Potočnjak I. A comprehensive overview of hepatoprotective natural compounds: mechanism of action and clinical perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:39-79. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Zhang W, Chen H, Liu DL, Li H, Luo J, Zhang JH, Li Y, Chen KJ, Tong HF, Lin SZ. Emodin sensitizes the gemcitabine-resistant cell line Bxpc-3/Gem to gemcitabine via downregulation of NF-κB and its regulated targets. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:1189-96. [PMID: 23440366 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether emodin can overcome the chemoresistance of the gemcitabine-resistant cancer cell line (Bxpc-3/Gem) in vitro. The cell line Bxpc-3/Gem was derived from the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3. We found that Bxpc-3/Gem cells were characterized by a series of morphological changes with a resistance index of 43.51 comparing with the parental cell line. Emodin reduced Bxpc-3/Gem cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Emodin and gemcitabine combination treatments resulted in decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in Bxpc-3/Gem cells. In addition, combination treatments resulted in downregulation of gene and protein expression of MDR-1 (P-gp), NF-κB, XIAP, survivin, as well as inhibition of NF-κB activity and P-gp function. These observations suggest that emodin may sensitize the pancreatic cancer gemcitabine-resistant cell line Bxpc-3/Gem to gemcitabine therapy via inhibition of survival signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, P.R. China
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Wang T, Yin X, Lu Y, Shan W, Xiong S. Formulation, antileukemia mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of a novel liposomal emodin. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:2325-37. [PMID: 22661889 PMCID: PMC3357979 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s31029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emodin is a multifunctional Chinese traditional medicine with poor water solubility. D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) is a pegylated vitamin E derivate. In this study, a novel liposomal-emodin-conjugating TPGS was formulated and compared with methoxypolyethyleneglycol 2000-derivatized distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (mPEG2000–DSPE) liposomal emodin. TPGS improved the encapsulation efficiency and stability of emodin egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes. A high encapsulation efficiency of 95.2% ± 3.0%, particle size of 121.1 ± 44.9 nm, spherical ultrastructure, and sustained in vitro release of TPGS liposomal emodin were observed; these were similar to mPEG2000–DSPE liposomes. Only the zeta potential of −13.1 ± 2.7 mV was significantly different to that for mPEG2000–DSPE liposomes. Compared to mPEG2000–DSPE liposomes, TPGS liposomes improved the cytotoxicity of emodin on leukemia cells by regulating the protein levels of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein, which was further enhanced by transferrin. TPGS liposomes prolonged the circulation time of emodin in the blood, with the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) 1.7 times larger than for free emodin and 0.91 times larger than for mPEG2000–DSPE liposomes. In addition, TPGS liposomes showed higher AUC for emodin in the lung and kidney than for mPEG2000–DSPE liposomes, and both liposomes elevated the amount of emodin in the heart. Overall, TPGS is a pegylated agent that could potentially be used to compose a stable liposomal emodin with enhanced therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiechuang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Wang YJ, He LQ, Sun W, Lu Y, Wang XQ, Zhang PQ, Wei LB, Cao SL, Yang NZ, Ma HZ, Gao J, Li P, Tao XJ, Yuan FH, Li J, Yao C, Liu X. Optimized project of traditional Chinese medicine in treating chronic kidney disease stage 3: a multicenter double-blinded randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 139:757-764. [PMID: 22178174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Stage 3 is the key phase of chronic kidney disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. But a large sample trial is desirable. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 578 Chinese patients with primary glomerulonephritis in CKD stage 3 were randomly assigned to three groups: patients received TCM (TCM group), benazepril (Ben group), TCM combined with benazepril (TCM+Ben group). Patients were followed up for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the time to the composite of 50% increased of serum creatinine, end stage renal disease or death. RESULTS eGFR in the TCM and the TCM+Ben group were improved (week 24 vs. baseline, P<0.05) while eGFR in the Ben group was decreased (week 24 vs. baseline, P>0.05). 24h urinary protein excretion (UP) and urinary albumin/creatinine (UAlb/Cr) were decreased in the TCM+Ben (week 24 vs. baseline, P<0.05) and the Ben group (week 24 vs. baseline, P>0.05). UP and UAlb/Cr were increased in the TCM group to week 12, then were stable (week 24 vs. baseline, P<0.05). The hemoglobin in the TCM group was also improved (week 24 vs. baseline, P<0.05). The accumulative survival rate in the TCM+Ben group was higher than that in the TCM group and the Ben group (P=0.044). Side effects in the TCM group were the lowest in these groups (P<0.05). The patients with dry cough in the TCM+Ben group and the Ben group were increased as compared with the TCM group (P<0.05). Hyperkalemia happened less frequently in the TCM group as compared with the other two groups (P=0.052). CONCLUSIONS For the patients with CKD stage 3, TCM can improve eGFR and hemoglobin with lower side effects. Benazepril significantly decreased the proteinuria. Chinese medicine integrated with benazepril can ameliorate renal function and decrease proteinuria synergistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-jun Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Mann J, Mann DA. Transcriptional regulation of hepatic stellate cells. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:497-512. [PMID: 19393271 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a process of cellular transdifferentiation in which, upon liver injury, the quiescent vitamin A storing perisinusoidal HSC is converted into a wound-healing myofibroblast and acquires potent pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic activities. This remarkable phenotypic transformation is underpinned by changes in the expression of a vast number of genes. In this review we survey current knowledge of the transcription factors that either control HSC activation or which regulate specific fibrogenic functions of the activated HSC such as collagen expression, proliferation and resistance to apoptosis.
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Herrmann J, Gressner AM, Weiskirchen R. Immortal hepatic stellate cell lines: useful tools to study hepatic stellate cell biology and function? J Cell Mol Med 2007; 11:704-22. [PMID: 17760834 PMCID: PMC3823251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
At the cellular level, the activation and transdifferentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into myofibroblasts is the key process involved in hepatic fibrogenesis that is associated with an increased and altered deposition of extracellular matrix components in the liver. The temporal sequence of molecular events associated with stellate cell activation turned out to be appropriately mimicked when HSC isolated from normal livers are cultured on uncoated plastic surface. Therefore, cultured primary cells isolated from rodents and human beings are common in vitro models in investigations addressing these issues of hepatic stellate biology and function. However, the limited supply, cost-effective isolation procedure and the ever growing need have resulted in efforts to establish immortalized stellate cell lines having the advantage of virtually unlimited access. They allow rapid screening for disease-associated factors and restrict the necessary number of animal experiments. From the first description of an immortal HSC line in 1986, a huge number of studies were conducted with these established cell lines. However, differences in morphology, growth characteristics and anomalies of chromosome number and structure make the applications of these models questionable. Here, we summarize the history and cellular characteristics of respective cell lines and discuss the differences of continuous HSC lines and their primary counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Herrmann
- *Correspondence to: Prof. Dr R. WEISKIRCHEN Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 24 1 80 88 68 3 Fax: +49 24 1 80 82 5 12 E-mail:
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- *Correspondence to: Prof. Dr R. WEISKIRCHEN Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 24 1 80 88 68 3 Fax: +49 24 1 80 82 5 12 E-mail:
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